Photon Interaction Parameters Research Articles

Mass attenuation coefficient, stopping power, and penetrating distance calculations via Monte Carlo simulations for cell membranes

The Monte Carlo (MC) method is a computer simulation that is widely used in different disciplines including physics, biology, biophysics, medical imaging, biomedical engineering, etc. In addition, MC method is often used to simulate the interaction of radiation with cells, tissues, and the environment. In the present study, mass attenuation coefficient, stopping power, and penetrating distance calculations were performed for cell membranes having an approximately 60-100Å thickness. These calculations have been done for lipid bilayer structure of cell membrane via MC techniques employing two of the most known computer-aided calculation and simulation software which are MC methods such as SRIM-2013 (The Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter) and MCNPv6 (Monte Carlo N-Particle) with XCOM software. Stopping power and penetrating distance calculations were obtained using SRIM-2013. Also, both XCOM software and MCNPv6 simulation code were used to obtain photon interaction parameters within the energy range of 0.01 – 10000keV. Obtained all results from different codes have been visualized by graphing for evaluation.

Gamma-ray attenuation properties and fast neutron removal cross-section of Cu2CdSn3S8 and binary sulfide compounds (Cu/Cd/Sn S) using phy-X/PSD software

The present study's basic objective is to evaluate the photon shielding features of the quaternary compound Cu2CdSn3S8 and three different binary compounds CuS, CdS, and SnS by carrying out Phy-X/PSD software between 0.015 and 15 MeV photon energies. The samples' radiation shielding capabilities were compared with those of different concretes and commercial glasses reported in the literature. Photon interaction parameters like MAC, LAC, HVL, TVL, MEF, ACS, ECS, Zeff, Neff, Ceff, Zeq, EBF, and EABF are represented in the selected energy range. The MAC and LAC values of the tested samples are greater than certain concrete types commonly used for radiation safety. The measured values represent that SnS binary compound sample has higher values for MAC, LAC, Zeff, Ceff, ACS, ECS, EBF, and EABF and lower HVL and MFP values. The Cu2CdSn3S8, CuS, and SnS FNRCS values are higher than the corresponding values of RS-253-G18, RS-360, and RS-520, so the studied samples have superior neutron attenuation properties. CuS possesses the best FNRCS (= 0.102) among the present studied compounds.

Influence of Sm2O3 content on photon and fast neutron interaction parameters of zinc-tellurite glasses

The aim of the present research is to evaluate and analyze the photon and fast neutron interaction parameters for (80-x)TeO2–20ZnO–xSm2O3 (0≤ x ≤ 1.5) glasses via WinXCom and EXABCal programs. This is with the view to establish their suitability for radiation shielding purposes. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) due to photoelectric absorption (PA) and Compton scattering (CS) constitute about 36–24% and 56–73% of MAC values correspondingly in the range 0.284 ≤ E ≤ 0.511 MeV. The impact of PA process is higher in this (low) energy portion of the spectrum. As energy rose from 0.511 to 1.33 MeV, PA contribution reduces from 24 to 3% while CS contribution rose from 73 to 98%. The (MAC)TZS0, (MAC)TZS1, (MAC)TZS2, (MAC)TZS3, (MAC)TZS4, and (MAC)TZS5 varies within the range 0.1619–0.0497, 0.1624–0.04976, 0.1629–0.0498, 0.1634–0.0498, 0.1639–0.0498, and 0.1644–0.0498 cm2/g respectively. HVL of the glasses varies from 0.77 to 2.50 cm for energies in the range 0.284–1.33 MeV with very close proximity of values for all the glasses. For glass thickness up to 2 cm, the exposure buildup factor value decreases with energy, beyond this; it initially increases up to a maximum at energy of 0.511 MeV for TZS4 and TZS5 and 0.3839 MeV for TZS3. The fast neutron removal cross sections of the glasses were very close, however, the maximum value was obtained for TZS4. Finally, the understudied glasses displayed superior fast neutron and photon absorbers compared to some common shielding materials which make these glasses potential for radiation shielding functions.

Pedikül Vidası İçin Kütle Zayıflama Katsayılarının Teorik ve Monte Carlo Simülasyon Teknikleri ile Hesaplanması

Spine fixation is required in cases such as congenital spinal curvatures, vertebral fractures, sagittal collapse over time, painful kyphosis, and bone load due to tumors. Although there are many methods in the literature, the most commonly used spine fixation method is the fixation with pedicle screws. In these cases, it is known that pedicle screws are used frequently in the body. In this study, how the radiological exposure of the pedicle screws in the vertebral column that dose was evaluated by simulation methods. First, the elemental analysis of the pedicle screw was analyzed via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) equipped with the Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Then, the elemental compositions of the pedicle screw obtained were used for simulation codes. subsequently, the half-value thickness and the attenuation coefficient calculations were conducted for the pedicle screw and vertebral column. Both XCOM software and MCNP (Monte Carlo N-Particle) simulation code were used to obtain photon interaction parameters within the energy range of 60-250 keV.

A simple software for swift computation of photon and charged particle interaction parameters: PAGEX

PAGEX is a compact and user-friendly cross-platform software developed for swift computation of photon (X-ray and γ-ray) and charged particle interaction parameters for various applications. It is designed based on well-established theoretical formulations and computational techniques integrating various Python packages to effectively calculate parameters such as partial/total photon interaction cross-sections and mass attenuation coefficients, charged particle mass stopping powers and cross-sections, effective atomic number and electron density, mass-energy absorption coefficient, KERMA and build-up factors over a wide energy range. This tool is capable of generating both tabular and graphical outputs which can be saved in any user desired format. PAGEX has been verified against other widely employed software and databases, demonstrating good agreement. This software which facilitates robust computation is freely available from the authors.

A surveying of photon and particle radiation interaction characteristics of some perovskite materials

In this study, we aimed to determinate of the photon and particle radiation interaction parameters of six different perovskites to help use perovskite materials in radiation applications. The parameters that are aimed to be investigated are MAC, HVL, MFP, Zeff, Neff, Ceff and EBF for photons, range values for charged particles, and FNRCS values for neutrons. The photon-interaction parameters the FNRCS values of the perovskites were calculated using Phy-X/PSD software in the energy range of 1 keV–100 GeV for photons and at 4.5 MeV energy for neutrons, respectively. Moreover, the range values of the perovskites were calculated using SRIM Monte Carlo software (for H+ and He++ particles) and ESTAR NIST software (for electrons) in the energy range from 0.01 MeV to 20 MeV. In order to make a notable assessment about the radiation interaction possibilities of the perovskites, the results obtained were compared with some standard shielding materials. According to the results obtained for all radiation types examined, it was determined that all calculated parameters were strongly dependent on both the type and energy of the radiation and the type of material. Additionally, it was observed that the order of preference of the examined materials as armor material in radiation applications varies according to the radiation type and energy. Consequently, it was determined that while the most suitable material in terms of photon shielding is P6 (Cs2SnI6) inorganic perovskite among the perovskites examined, this sample is not suitable material for neutron shielding applications.

Fe-based alloys and their shielding properties against directly and indirectly ionizing radiation by using FLUKA simulations

Effective shielding material is an essential demand to minimize the harmful effects of ionizing radiation in various nuclear and medicine facilities. In this article, we report on the directly and indirectly ionizing radiation shielding properties of Fe-based alloys in the chemical composition of Fe83/B13−x/Cx/Si3/P1, where x is ranging from 0 up to 4 mol%. Indirectly ionizing radiation studies include the interactions of the Fe-based alloys with the neutral radiation such as photon (X and gamma rays) and neutron. The photon interaction parameters (e.g. LAC, MAC, MFP, EAC, HVL, SGRC, and dose rate) were obtained by using FLUKA simulations and theoretical calculations for energies 0.6, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 15 MeV. The neutron interaction parameters were investigated for thermal and fast neutrons in terms of scattering, absorption, and removal cross sections. Moreover, directly ionizing radiation studies include the interactions of the selected alloys with charged particles such as electron, proton, alpha, and carbon. The obtained results indicate that a maximum dose rate (∼108 R hr−1) is observed in the 1 mm thickness of FBCSP-A, FBCSP-B, FBCSP-C, FBCSP-D and FBCSP-E alloys at 15 MeV. While, the minimum dose rate is noted at the lower E side (0.6 MeV) in the 5 mm thickness of Fe-based alloys, and decreased from 74.589 × 105 to 74.644 × 105 (R hr−1) for FBCSP-A to FBCSP-E alloys. It can be concluded that the Fe-based alloys are useful for shielding applications against directly and indirectly ionizing radiation as compared with traditional, common, and commercial shields.

Physical, mechanical, and radiation attenuation properties of serpentine concrete containing boric acid

Serpentine and boric acid are effective materials to produce the radiation-shielding concrete (RSC) for attenuating the fast and thermal neutrons, respectively. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of boric acid (0, 1, and 3% by cement weight) on the physical, mechanical, microstructural, and radiation shielding properties of serpentine concrete. The results showed that the addition of boric acid hindered the hydration of cement through the generation of amorphous borate material, which encapsulates the cement phases and retards their transformation into hydration products. Such a retardation process negatively influenced the mechanical properties of boric acid-bearing concrete and contributed to the thicker and less condensed interfacial transition zone. Furthermore, unlike total γ-rays, boric acid enhanced the attenuation properties of serpentine concrete against thermal and fast neutrons favoring the former. There was a satisfying agreement between the theoretical and measured values of fast neutron attenuation parameters. However, negligible variations in the theoretical values of photon interaction parameters showed that porosity was the principal reason for the reduction in gamma-ray attenuation as a result of boric acid addition.

Studies on partial and total photon interaction parameters in the energy range 1 keV–100 GeV of some synthetic polymers having medical applications

The effective atomic numbers and effective electron densities of some polymers having medical applications are determined for total as well as partial gamma ray interaction processes in the wide range of energies 1 keV to 100 GeV. Mass energy-absorption coefficient and effective atomic number corresponding to gamma ray energy absorption in these media are also estimated for the energy range of 1 keV–20 MeV. These parameters are found to vary with energy and chemical composition of the polymers. These variations are shown graphically and are discussed in detail. The estimated values are compared with experimental data, wherever available, and these show good agreement. The kerma relative to air of these polymers are also calculated for 1 keV-20 MeV. Kerma remains constant at unity from 200 keV to 10 MeV. The selected polymers have remarkable applications in the medical field and we expect that the data will be useful in medical domain.

Gamma-ray attenuation, fast neutron removal cross-section and build up factor of Cu2MnGe[S, Se, Te]4 semiconductor compounds: Novel approach

This study is original work on semiconductor materials for gamma-ray detectors and fast neutron removal cross-section. This work is focused on the investigating of γ-ray interactions using Cu2MnGeS4, Cu2MnGeSe4, and Cu2MnGeTe4 semiconductor compounds. The photon interaction parameters (MAC, LAC, HVL, TVL, MEF, ACS, ECS, Zeff, Neff, Ceff, Zeq, EBF, and EABF) of the three different semiconductor compounds were graphically presented within 0.015–15 MeV energy range. A useful comparison with regular radiation shielding with standard glass materials with these samples has been developed. Cu2MnGeSe4 and Cu2MnGeTe4 semiconductor compounds have higher values of MAC and LAC compared with ordinary and steel magnetite concrete at the 0.1, 10, and 15 MeV. Interestingly, the checked semiconductor samples named Cu2MnGeSe4 andCu2MnGeTe4 have lower values for HVL and MFP than some commercial glasses used in radiation safety applications. At 15 KeV, Zeff values are 27.13, 32.11 and 39.21 and Neff values are 3.41, 2.71 and 2.47 × 1023 electron cm−3 for Cu2MnGeS4, Cu2MnGeSe4, and Cu2MnGeTe4 semiconductor compounds, respectively. Semiconductor compounds have better neutron protection features compared to RS-520, RS-253-G18, and RS-360 standard glassy materials. In a large energy range, the third sample, Cu2MnGeTe4, showed high sensing for gamma-rays and neutrons. These studies are very important for the manufacture of detectors for semiconductors used for X and gamma-ray measurements (detection of radiation).

Ultraviolet Radiation-Emitting Gd3+-Doped Sr2ZnSi2O7 Host Lattice Prepared by Sol–Gel Procedure and Evaluation of Gamma-Ray Exposure Parameters

Using the sol–gel process, a series of Sr2-xZnSi2O7:xGd (0.01 ≤ x≤0.11) samples was fabricated. Their crystal characteristics, surface morphologies, and spectral characteristics were analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Upon 272-nm excitation, a prominent emission band appeared at 313 nm (6P7/2 → 8S7/2) in all the samples. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and PL analyses confirmed the presence of Gd3+ in the Sr2ZnSi2O7 structure, where the Gd3+ ions occupied distorted Sr2+ sites in the host lattice. Additionally, three photon interaction parameters, namely the mass attenuation coefficient, effective atomic number, and effective electron density, were calculated within the 1 keV–100 GeV photon energy range for all the samples. These photon interaction parameters varied widely over the studied energy range. Particularly, the shielding effectiveness increased with increasing gadolinium concentration. These interaction parameters will be very useful for shielding applications against gamma-rays.

Synthesis and photon interaction characterizations of some bioactive glasses

We aim to explore the photon interaction characteristics for some bioactive glass having composition 20SiO2-7.5K2O-7.5Na2O-xCaO-(65-x) P2O5 where x= 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 mol %. These bioactive glasses are fabricated via melt quenching technique and labelled as GC1, GC2, GC3, GC4 respectively. XRD results revel the amorphous nature of glass samples. Physical Parameters such as density and optimum thickness range were measured for these glass samples. Density increases with the increase in CaO content while optimum thickness range decreases with the increase in CaO content for prepared glass samples. The mass attenuation coefficient (µm)theo is computed using WinXCom software package while experimental mass attenuation coefficient (µm)exp is evaluated using narrow beam transmission geometry at 511, 662, 1173 and 1332 keV. The values of mass attenuation coefficient, both experimental (µm)exp and theoretical (µm)theo are in good agreement with each other. Similarly, the experimentally obtained other photon interaction parameters such as effective atomic number (Zeff), electron density (Ne) and thickness normalising parameters (mean free path (mfp), half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL)) values are comparable with theoretical ones. Although, radiation protection efficiency (RPE) of GC4 glass sample is maximum for all specified photon energies. While comparing GC4 glass sample with commercially used 45S5 bioglass; it has been observed that all parameters are nearly same. Hence, GC4 glass sample having comparable bioactivity can easily replace 45S5.

FTIR, structural and radiation attenuation properties of amalgam dental composites for medical applications

Dental amalgam is one of the most adapted ceramic material which is used in dentistry. On the other hand, they are candidate materials for ionizing radiation exposure during the diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications. This study is focused on determination of some vital material and physical parameters of dental amalgam composites. The elementary test of the dental amalgam composites have performed using SEM and EDS. On the other hand some significant photon interaction parameters such as mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ), half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Zeff) and effective electron density (Nel), energy build up factor (EBF), exposure the factor (EABF) of investigated materials have been determined. The last composition encoded DA5 has obtained with a smooth surface with some small agglomeration. The results showed that DA5 sample has the smallest EABF and EBF values, while DA1 and DA2 own the largest ones. This means that the DA5 sample is more effective than other samples in terms of absorbing gamma radiation.

Ultraviolet B radiation from Gd3+ doped Sr3P4O13: Photoluminescence, electron paramagnetic resonance and evaluation of shielding parameters

A series of ultraviolet B (UVB, 280–315 nm) radiation emitting Gd doped Sr3P4O13 was synthesized using the co-precipitation method. Formation of products was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis, while scanning electron microscope was employed to investigate the morphology of the prepared product. The emission spectra of the prepared samples were recorded at 272 nm excitation wavelength with different Gd3+ concentrations (0.005–0.15 mol). Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the Gd3+ doped samples showed the substitution of Sr2+ sites by Gd3+ ions with lower symmetry at X-band frequency. Shielding parameters for all the un-doped and Gd doped Sr3P4O13 samples were determined in the range 1 keV–100 GeV photon energy. These photon interaction parameters vary with the compositions and the photon energy. These parameters were found to be maximum for the gadolinium concentration 0.15 mol. The current investigation and obtained results would be helpful for shielding evaluation of radioactive waste containment in the nuclear fuel cycle.

A comprehensive study on radiation shielding characteristics of Tin-Silver, Manganin-R, Hastelloy-B, Hastelloy-X and Dilver-P alloys

In this study, it is aimed to investigate alloys that can replace lead and its derivatives in terms of radiation shielding. A new alternative shielding material must have optimum properties that should be present in a protective material. For this purpose, this study focused on the determination of the radiation-shielding characteristics of five different alloys named Tin-Silver, Manganin-R, Hastelloy-B, Hastelloy-X and Dilver-P. The photon interaction parameters (µ, µm, λ, X1/2, σT, σe, Zeff, Neff, σeff and RPE) that give significant information about the radiation shielding capacities of the materials were calculated for the alloys in the energy range from 30 to 1333 keV. The narrow-beam transmission geometry was used to determine these parameters accurately and was adjusted such that the error rate is minimized. The present samples were irradiated with photons of nineteen different photon energies emitted from seven different radionuclides (241Am, 133Ba, 109Cd, 152Eu, 22Na, 137Cs and 60Co). Photon intensities were measured by using two different detectors (Si(Li) and NaI(Tl)) for convenient photon energy regions. Then, these parameters were also calculated theoretically using Phy-X/PSD software in order to compare the experimental and theoretical results. Furthermore, the Rinc/total, Zeq, G-P fitting coefficients (a, b, c, d and XK) and exposure build-up factors (β) for the alloys were calculated using Phy-X/PSD software at photon energy range from 0.015 to 15 MeV. In order to make a significant comparison about the shielding capacities of investigated alloys, the µm values obtained for the alloys were compared with corresponding values of Pb metal, RS 253 glass and Cupero-Nickel alloy. Consequently, the descending order of MAC values in the all surveyed energy region was obtained as Tin-Silver > Manganin-R > Hastelloy-B > Hastelloy-X > Dilver-P. In the low energy region, it was found that the all present alloys have better shielding performances than RS 253 glass and Cupero-Nickel alloy. The experimental results also revealed that the Tin-Silver alloy has 25% better shielding performance than Pb metal in the energy range of 30–88 keV. Finally, it was concluded that Manganin-R alloy could be considered as the most ideal shielding material in the entire photon energies studied along with its other superior features (high density (10.22 g cm−3), high melting point (2500–2600 °C), high tensile strength (560–1150 MPa), high modulus of elasticity (320 GPa) and high specific heat (305 J K−1 kg−1) although the Tin-Silver alloy had the highest µm values among the examined alloys.

Determination of photon-shielding features and build-up factors of nickel–silver alloys

In this study, a comprehensive study on photon and fast neutron interactions was conducted to determine the possible uses of four different copper-based Nickel–Silver (NS) alloys as alternative protective materials. For this purpose, photon interaction parameters (μ, μm, X1/2, σT, Zeff, Neff, Ceff) of NS alloys which have Cu65Ni18Zn17, Cu62Ni18Zn20, Cu64Ni12Zn24 and Cu55Ni18Zn27 compositions were presented experimentally in the photon energy range of 30–1333 keV using ideal transmission geometry conditions. In order to compare experimental and theoretical results and to a comprehensive evaluation in wide energy range (0.015–15 MeV), these parameters were also calculated using WinXCOM based Phy-X/PSD software. It was found that there is a good agreement between experimental and theoretical results, and that the maximum relative difference is approximately 1.2%. In order to test the suitability of the radiation shielding capacities of the studied alloys for nuclear applications, all parameters were also calculated theoretically for ordinary concrete (OC), basalt (BM) and steel magnetite (SM) concretes. Furthermore, the exposure build-up factors for the alloys and concretes were calculated using G-P fitting method at photon energy range from 0.015 to 15 MeV up to 40 mean free path (MFP) penetration depth. Moreover, the fast neutron removal cross-sections of the materials were determined using Phy-X/PSD software. According to the data obtained, it has been observed that the shielding capacities of NS alloys are far superior to selected concretes for both photon radiation and fast neutrons. It was revealed in this study that NS alloys may be an alternative shielding material candidate due to their high density, high melting points (about 1100 °C) and good mechanical strength.

Determining the photon interaction parameters of iodine compounds as contrast agents for use in radiology

Purpose: x-ray contrast agents that contain iodine are commonly used for interventional and diagnostic procedures. To progress selective x-ray imaging, and discriminate the attenuating media, it is...

The interaction of gamma radiation with drugs used in cholinergic medications

Purpose: Pharmacological medications can reduce the radiation damage in the organism when applied in the stage before or after exposure to radiation. Cholinergic drugs are a category of pharmaceutical agents acting on the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, the primary neurotransmitter in the parasympathetic nervous system. In this investigation, some gamma radiation interaction parameters namely mass attenuation coeffıcients (μρ), effective atomic number (Zeff) and electron densities (Nel) of 12 cholinergic system drugs have been calculated in the energy range 1 KeV–100 GeV. In addition, gamma-ray energy absorption (EABF) and exposure (EBF) of buildup factors have been computed using the five-parameter geometric progression (G-P) fitting formula for investigated drugs in the energy range 0.015–15 MeV, and for penetration depths up to 40 mean free path (mfp).Materials and methods: In order to perform these calculations, data obtained from WinXCom computer program were used. The computed μρ values were then used to calculate the effective atomic numbers and electron density of the investigated drugs. To compute the buildup factors, the G-P fitting parameters were determined by the method of interpolation from the equivalent atomic number, ‘Zeq’Results and Conclusions: It has been concluded that effective atomic number and electron density of malathion is bigger than the other drugs and the variations in values of Zeff and Nel for all drugs depend on chemical compositions and photon energy where the K-absorption edge of elements may affect the energy dependence of Zeff and Nel. It should also be noted that the buildup of photons is less in malathion and carbachol and is more in tabun and parathion compared with other drugs. Photon interaction parameters evaluated in the present study may be beneficial in radiation dosimetry and therapy.

Investigations of radiation properties, photon interaction parameters and water equivalence of some polymers used in the construction of ionization chambers for low energy X-ray beams

Ionization chambers are often used in a phantom of material different from their walls, leading to a fluence perturbation. The main goal of this paper is to investigate the water equivalence of some polymers used for construction of ionization chamber’s wall and phantoms. To accomplish this goal, a Monte-Carlo model was used to calculate the depth dose as well as radiation-interaction parameters for mono-energetic photons (20–100 keV) and spectrum of 50–100 kVp X-rays. For mono-energetic photons, the maximum difference between the simulation results and theory was 2.4%. Plexiglass and RW3 had similar water equivalence and transmission properties as compared to water to within ±3.2%. Their depth doses were almost identical (to within 2.80%). The largest difference in depth dose compared to water found at 50 kVp. The dosimetric agreement was improved with increasing the X-ray energy, so that the maximum deviation was 6.3% for 100 kVp X-rays.

Mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic numbers and electron densities of some contrast agents for computed tomography

In the clinical computed tomography (CT) examinations, a photon is attenuated as it passes a patient by tissues and contrast agents (CAs). The CAs can increase the visibility of internal structures or fluids within the patient. In this work, we have investigated the photon interaction parameters of some CT contrast agents such as iotrolan, iodixanol, iohexol, ioxilan, ioversol, and iomeprol. The mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) of these contrast agents have been determined using Geant4 code in the energy range from 1 keV to 1 MeV for total photon interaction. The validity of the Geant4 code was verified by comparing the simulation results with those calculated by the XCOM program. A very good agreement was observed between μ/ρ values obtained by both Geant4 and XCOM codes. The μ/ρ values were then used to estimate the effective atomic numbers (Zeff) and electron densities (Neff) for the selected CT contrast agents. It was found that the values of μ/ρ, Zeff and Neff depend on the photon energy and increase with increasing iodine concentration in the composition of CAs. Also, the Zeff values were observed in the range of 6–50 and the Neff values were observed in the range of 2 – 21 (1023 electron/g). The present study would be helpful to develop new CT contrast agents to serve in vivo imaging applications.